Ram Mandir's consecration: NYC's Times Square to show live telecast
What's the story
The upcoming Shri Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya on January 22 will be live-streamed not only throughout India but also at New York City's famous Times Square. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address devotees of Lord Ram both in India and abroad during the event, which will also be broadcast at various Indian embassies and consulates overseas.
Twitter Post
Check this out!
#WATCH USA: A digital billboard of #RamMandir comes up in New York’s Times Square.
— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed 'Bhoomi Pujan' of #RamMandir in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh earlier today. pic.twitter.com/Gq4Gi2kfvR
Time
It's not unusual for Times Square to host such screenings
It is not the first time that Times Square is going to screen Ram Mandir in New York. According to sources, before the bhoomi pujan of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on August 5, 2020, a digital billboard featuring the pilgrimage site was displayed in Times Square. The temple's bhoomi pujan was conducted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Details
BJP workers to set up screens for India's live telecast
According to ANI, to involve the general public, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has instructed its workers to set up large screens for the live telecast of the ceremony at the booth level. Party workers may also distribute blankets, organize community feasts, or contribute through donations in terms of food or fruits to help those in need. "This way, the general public can have darshan of Shri Ram Lalla and witness the consecration ceremony," a source told ANI.
Screening
Live screening planned for UP jails
Prisoners will be able to watch the live broadcast of the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony on January 22 at all jails in Uttar Pradesh, according to a statement made by UP Prison Minister Dharmveer Prajapati on Saturday. At present, the number of prisoners exceeds 1.05 lakh in the state. "They too are citizens of this country. To ensure that they do not remain away from this occasion, live streaming will be done at all jails in the state," he said.
What Next?
Preparations underway for grand consecration ceremony
Preparations for the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla are set to begin on January 16, with a 51-inch tall Krishna Shila idol of Lord Ram chosen for the event. Varanasi priest Lakshmi Kant Dixit will lead the main rituals during the ceremony on January 22. A grand 1008 hundi mahayagya is planned to feed thousands of devotees, and numerous tent cities are being set up in Ayodhya to accommodate the expected crowd of 10,000-15,000 people at the grand event.